Question III

GRATIAN. But as to the question whether after the handing over it is lawful for him, with the abbot’s permission, to return to his own property, it is easily shown that this cannot be done. For returning itself is criminal. But one who ceases to oppose a manifest crime when he can do so consents to it. Yet this abbot not only does not oppose it, but even by permitting it becomes an abettor. Therefore the abbot is not permitted to give anyone permission to go back, and thus that person is not permitted to go backward, because from the time he once subjected himself to the abbot, he can do nothing without the abbot’s permission.